Liquid metal motor

• Published in: iScience Vol. 24; no. 1; p. 101911
• Main Authors: Wang, Erlong, Shu, Jian, Jin, Hu, Tao, Zhe, Xie, Jie, Tang, Shi-Yang, Li, Xiangpeng, Li, Weihua, Dickey, Michael D., Zhang, Shiwu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 22.01.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Electrical Materials; Mechanical Design; Metals; Electrical Materials; Mechanical Design; Metals
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101911

Liquid metal has demonstrated an enormous potential for developing soft functional devices and machines. However, current liquid metal enabled machines suffer from several issues, such as the requirement of a liquid environment, generation of weak actuating forces, and insufficient maneuverability. To overcome these restrictions, here, a motor is developed based on the electrical actuation of liquid metal droplets without the need for conventional electromagnets. The approach is distinguished by (1) the encapsulation of electrolyte and multiple liquid metal droplets within an enclosed system, and (2) the creation of stable and continuous torque outside a liquid environment. In addition, a liquid metal electrical brush is introduced to operate the motor with low friction and low wear. The unique driving mechanism endows the motor with several advantages, including low friction, no sparking, low noise, versatile working environment, and being built from soft materials that could offer new opportunities for developing soft robotics. [Display omitted] •The motor is driven by liquid metal droplets without using conventional electromagnets•The liquid metal enabled solid-liquid contact brush provides low friction and low wear•The liquid metal motor can be readily adapted to drive various untethered vehicles Mechanical Design; Metals; Electrical Materials